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Ancient instrument designs incorporated the heads of animals. This replica example represents a bird, possibly a curlew or a crane. The original was likely used within Ayurvedic medicine. This ancient medical tradition has its roots in the Indian subcontinent. The name Ayurveda comes from ayus (‘life’) and veda (‘knowledge or science’). This indicates Ayurveda incorporates a whole way of living. Surgery (Shalya-chikitsa) is one of the eight ancient branches of Ayurvedic medicine. However, surgery has no clear identity today.
The Susrata Samhita is a classic text of Ayurvedic medicine. It describes a range of surgical practices. It was written by Hindu surgeon Susrata who practiced from about 500BCE.

Glossary: replica

Use for precise reproductions of valued objects, usually in the same dimensions as the original. For reproductions of an image alone, use "reproductions" or "facsimiles." Use also when more than one similar object is produced by the same artist, craftsman, or studio, with little or no variation between them; if variation is apparent, use "versions." Distinct from "forgeries" and "counterfeits," which are produced with the intent to deceive.